NOV 09, V7N-Sanju Samson's brilliant century led India to a commanding 61-run victory over South Africa in the opening match of their four-game T20 series in Durban on Friday. After being asked to bat, India posted a total of 202/8 in their 20 overs. Samson's sensational knock of 107 from just 50 balls, which included 10 sixes and seven fours, anchored the innings, contributing over half of India's total. His aggressive strokeplay, with a strike rate of 214, helped India reach a formidable score, although their innings slowed down towards the end after a promising 167/2 in the 15th over.

Despite a late collapse, with India adding only 35 runs in the final 32 balls and losing six wickets, South Africa's bowlers, especially Marco Jansen (1-24) and Gerald Coetzee (3-37), were able to limit the damage.

In reply, South Africa struggled against India's leg-spinners, with Varun Chakravarthy (3-25) and Ravi Bishnoi (3-28) taking key wickets. South Africa was bowled out for just 141 in 17.5 overs. Aiden Markram, South Africa's captain, acknowledged the pressure Samson had put on their bowlers, stating it was difficult to stop someone in such explosive form.

India's captain Suryakumar Yadav praised Samson for his hard work over the years and his team-first attitude, noting that even in the 90s, Samson was focused on hitting boundaries. The second match of the series will be played in Gqeberha on Sunday.

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